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Eagle Scout hopeful eyes vets monument

• A Leesburg Eagles Scout candidate takes on a big project that he hopes will be a permanent part of his community.

Carlton Fletcher

ALBANY — Jeremy Kluball didn’t necessarily want to make a statement. He just wanted to do something good for men and women he admires.

So the 16-year-old Lee County High School student decided he’d collect funds for a tribute to the American soldiers who have served in the Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom conflicts as his personal Eagle Scout project. That tribute, a granite monument to be placed in a downtown Leesburg Park, will be completed and in place by Memorial Day.

“I have friends; one’s father who is a veteran is dead now and another who is a sniper who was injured (in battle),” Jeremy said. “My life has been personally touched by the (conflicts); a lot of families have been touched.

“This is not something that will cause controversy. It doesn’t matter if someone’s for the war or against it, everybody in this country supports our troops.”

So the Troop 210 Eagle candidate took it upon himself to raise the $1,800 it’s going to take to complete the uniquely designed monument.

“I’m going to make this happen,” Jeremy said. “My hope has been that the community will come forward and help with the project, but if we’re not able to get all of the funding (through donations), I will see that the project is finished.”

As word has spread to the public about the monument, it’s become clear that civic-minded individuals and groups have no intention of letting the teen shoulder the financial burden alone. Among those who have contributed are Claire Fox Hillard, Sandra Sparling, Bland Cleesattle, Ulf Kirchdorfer, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Vanoteghem, Winston Oxford, Mr. and Mrs. William Royce Hackett, Greg Gibson and Charles Kluball.

Businesses chipping in include Colony Bank, Security Bank, DOCO Federal Credit Union, EMC Engineering Services, Beef O’Brady’s restaurant and the Bank of Lee County, which has started a matching fund drive.

Other supporters include Diana Helton, who contributed in memory of SFC James M. Helton Sr., and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

“I didn’t ask him for a contribution,” Jeremy said of Isakson. “He heard about my project and sent a check.”

Restauranteur Bill Farnsworth, owner of Beef O’Brady’s, also saw a media report on Jeremy’s project and decided to offer his help.

“I’m a veteran,” Farnsworth said. “I served in Desert Storm, and when I heard what Jeremy was doing I called and told him I was happy to help out.”

So Farnsworth invited Jeremy and the other members of First Methodist Church, Leesburg-sponsored Troop 210 to come to the restaurant May 4 and talk about the project. A percentage of all food sales that day will go to the funding of the monument.

“What I intend to do is make sure Jeremy meets his goal,” Farnsworth said. “If, after our contribution May 4, he comes up short of his goal, I will personally make up the difference to make sure he gets the money he needs.

“Our restaurant is part of this community, and it’s a community that has been good to us. We’re happy to give back.”

Jeremy says donations may also be sent to Jeremy Kluball Scout Project, 106 Hollis Bridge Court, Leesburg, 31763. Information may be obtained by calling (229) 869-0769 or (229) 317-6856.

“To earn Eagle Scout (designation), we’re required to take charge of a leadership project,” Jeremy said. “I wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact. This memorial will be a reminder to all who view it not to take our freedoms for granted.”

Jeremy said he plans to invite veterans and state officials to the monument unveiling ceremony, which will be held on Memorial Day, May 26.

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